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“Police attended and the two rabbits were seized. The living rabbit was examined by a vet who advised euthanasia due to its poor condition. However, the rabbit died before authority could be obtained for that.”

A follow-up visit on December 15 showed that the hutches had been cleaned, magistrates were told.

The RSPCA has since seized all of the rabbits except 14 and they have been successfully rehomed by the charity.

Carolynne Bustard at Kirklees Magistrates' Court

One of the rabbits, named Peter, was examined by a vet and suffered significant dental problems because of his neglect with “it’s teeth digging into its tongue”, Mr Davidson said.

He added: “The two rabbits that died both suffered due to their poor body conditions for two weeks.”

Mark Bustard at Kirklees Magistrates' Court

The couple pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one charge of failing to ensure a suitable environment was provided.

Andy Day, mitigating, said that all of the rabbits had been rescued by the couple after either being left at their house or abandoned at a local pet shop.

He said: “They haven’t been able to say ‘no’ and have become overwhelmed with the number of animals that have gradually built up.